As a nurse, understanding important aspects of various health conditions your patients might face is essential to providing the right care and guidance. A growing number of people face health concerns related to their eyes, especially common problems that can impair vision that come with floaters.
This Fast CE For Less guide will explore essential topics related to eye health, such as what healthy vision means, the differences between nearsightedness and farsightedness, and the strange eye floaters many people with impaired vision see. In addition, this guide will explore how these conditions can impact daily activities and the safety concerns that may arise.

What Is 20/20 Vision?
The term “20/20 vision” is often used to describe perfect eyesight, but what exactly does it mean? Essentially, it refers to clarity or sharpness of vision measured at a distance of 20 feet. If someone has 20/20 vision, they can clearly see objects and written text at a distance of 20 feet.
However, not everyone retains 20/20 vision throughout their life. Changes in vision can lead to conditions such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. Nearsightedness, or myopia, occurs when an object can be seen clearly at close range, but blurs when distant. This happens when the eyeball is slightly longer than normal or when the cornea has too much of a curved shape. When that happens, light rays converge ahead of the retina instead of on it, leading to loss of focus and blurred vision.
Farsightedness, or hyperopia, happens when objects in the distance are clear, but close objects are blurry. This condition happens when the eyeball is too short, or the cornea is flatter than usual. Due to this difference, the light rays entering the eye focus slightly before the retina, causing blurred vision. Both these changes affect how light is processed by the eye and can significantly impact daily activities.
When someone experiences a change in their vision, it is necessary to get corrective lenses or other treatments to restore clear vision.
What Are Floaters in the Eyes?
Vision impairment is not limited to being simply nearsighted or farsighted. Some people with impaired vision also experience eye floaters. Eye floaters are small and shadowy shapes that appear in the field of vision. These floaters can look like threads, spots, or cobweb-like structures. While they are not noticeable every time, looking at a plain and bright background can make them clearly visible. Floaters move as your eyes do. When you try to look at them directly, they can dart away and drift slowly when your eyes stop moving.
The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills about 80% of your eye. It is responsible for helping your eye maintain a round shape. Floaters begin to develop when the vitreous starts to thicken or shrink. As the substance changes, the microscopic fibers inside it begin to clump together. The clumps cause shadows on the retina, which a person might see as floaters.
Floaters are not an immediate cause for concern. They are typically a normal part of aging. However, floaters can signal more severe eye health concerns, especially if they increase suddenly or are accompanied by flashes of light. When a large number of floaters is seen with flashes of light, retinal detachment may be suspected. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina at the back of the eye pulls away from its natural position.
For anyone experiencing significant changes in floaters or flashes of light, it is necessary to seek immediate medical care. As a nurse, understanding these symptoms helps educate patients on when it is essential to consult an ophthalmologist.
Recognizing Worsening Eyesight and Related Symptoms
When eyesight worsens, experiencing eyestrain is a common symptom. You can experience eyestrain as discomfort, pain around the eyes, or fatigue. This happens especially after prolonged periods of using a screen or reading. When you experience eyestrain, it is a sign that your eyes are working harder than usual to focus. This implies a potential issue with clarity in your vision.
An increase in floaters is also a major sign of deteriorating vision. While it is completely normal to see a few floaters, a sudden surge in eye floaters can indicate serious conditions. It is important for anyone experiencing sudden changes in their vision to consult an expert.
Night Blindness, Driving, and Safety Concerns
Night blindness, or difficulty seeing in low light conditions, significantly affects driving and can increase the risk of accidents. This condition is often an early indicator of vision problems, such as cataracts or retinal issues. When driving at night becomes difficult, it is crucial to evaluate eye health, as compromised night vision can lead to unsafe driving situations.
Increased traffic accidents are a serious concern related to impaired night vision. Nurses must be aware of these risks to provide effective patient education on the importance of regular eye examinations. By addressing symptoms early and understanding the limitations of night blindness, patients can take necessary precautions, such as avoiding driving at night or seeking appropriate treatment to improve their night vision. This proactive approach helps enhance safety on the roads, protecting not only the individual but also other road users.
Comparing Reading Glasses and Prescription Glasses
Reading glasses and prescription glasses serve different purposes. Reading glasses are typically non-prescription lenses designed to aid in viewing objects up close, commonly used for activities like reading or crafting. They are suitable for people experiencing age-related vision decline, known as presbyopia.
On the other hand, prescription glasses are customized based on individual vision needs, correcting conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Nurses should guide patients in understanding when to opt for reading glasses for simple magnification or seek an eye exam for prescription lenses to address specific visual impairments.
Treatments for Vision Impairment
When someone experiences vision impairment, seeking the help of an expert is necessary. Depending on the underlying reason, the treatment for impaired vision can be different. After examining a patient, an eye specialist may prescribe various treatments, including:
Eye Drops
Eye drops are a common treatment for various eye conditions, including dry eyes and allergies, which can exacerbate vision problems. They provide lubrication or medication directly to the eye surface, helping to alleviate symptoms like dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions. Nurses should instruct patients on the correct application techniques and the importance of using preservative-free drops if they are used frequently.
Prescribed Eye Supplements
For patients with conditions like age-related macular degeneration, prescribed eye supplements containing vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial. These supplements help maintain eye health and could slow the progression of vision impairment. Educating patients about the potential benefits and ensuring they adhere to the prescribed regimen can enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Treatment for Floaters
While most eye floaters are harmless and annoying, severe cases may require medical intervention. Options include:
- Laser Therapy: A laser is used to break up floaters to reduce their visibility.
- Vitrectomy: In more extreme cases, a vitrectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous gel along with its floating debris, may be recommended.
Nurses play a crucial role in managing patient expectations and explaining that while these treatments can reduce the presence of floaters, they come with risks and potential complications.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the various aspects of vision impairment, including the use of reading glasses, prescription lenses, and treatments like eye drops and supplements, is vital for nurses. This knowledge allows them to provide accurate information and support to patients experiencing changes in their vision. Nurses enhance patient care and improve eye health outcomes by educating patients about the signs of vision deterioration and available treatments. Emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams can help detect issues early, ensuring timely intervention and helping patients maintain optimal vision health.
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